"Hi, I'm in a horse share - 14.2 section D cob, 16 years. The owner (who's lovely!) has been riding him for years in a D-ringed, normal snaffle. However, she agreed to let me ride him in a Pelham with a curb chain for show jumping as I had no brakes. This is working brilliantly, with me barely touching the reins. The owner is insisting that I ride him in a snaffle for flatwork and practising dressage, but when I use it, he hangs on the bit, and I'm using much more hand than I want.

I've tried doing loads of transitions and work (leg yielding, shoulder in, turn on the forehand, lengthening and shortening paces, serpentines, flying changes, perfect circles, etc.) to get him listening but it's no use. However, when I use the Pelham for doing flatwork, he's like a different horse - the canter is much more collected, his paces are controlled and I'm able to work him properly from behind, using leg and not much hand so I'm able to ask so much more of him.

The owner is insisting that it's important to just school him in the snaffle and it may take longer and extra work, but it's the best way, and he's managed all these years with the snaffle. I just dont think it's kinder when I'm using more hand than I want, it takes 3/4 of an hour get him listening, which by the end both he and I are tired and bored when in the Pelham he is listening as soon as we get down to work. He also seems much happier with the Pelham. I'm planning on getting my riding instructor out to see what she thinks, but I would like a second opinion if possible.

I can sort of see where the owner's coming from, but she's never managed to get him to this stage in schooling before, and I want to start doing pirouettes and half pass, but I'm really struggling with this bit. Please can you give me some advice before I self-combust? Thank you, Ellie."

As Ellie's question was quite complex, two of our experts replied.

H&C blogger and Olympic eventer Sharon Hunt replies: "I agree entirely. Elise, I too use Pelhams rather than snaffles if necessary. I think it is better to train the horse in a softer and even kinder way by using the stronger bit rather than the horse being strong and numb in a snaffle. I find if you have a better response with something stronger, sooner or later they then become softer in a snaffle. Better to stop them leaning or for us to be very heavy handed. I think the owner could think about the difference in this way rather than 'must school in snaffle'. If she really won't agree with this, then try the Myler snaffle. I use one which is very thin and loose ring and all parts move separately. This is very strong and I actually find it better than a Pelham with some as all parts move therefore the horse can't hang/lean on it and you have more 'play'. Pelhams can't be used in British Dressage competitions, so I would ride in a Myler.

I'd much rather ride in a snaffle, but if needed to I wouldn't be too concerned to use something stronger, but I would hope that it would only be a quick fix and not for the long term.

Hope this helps,

Sharon."

H&C blogger and chief instructor of Contessa Riding Centre Tina Layton-Elliott replies: "Ellie, thank you for your question, I can see your dilemma. It is a little difficult to answer without knowing exactly the level the horse is working at, the horses’ way of going and the rider experience. The problem with schooling in a Pelham is that you can not compete in dressage at any level, if that is the end goal in your schooling sessions. Here are a few suggestions though:

1. If the horse is working at a higher level and you are experienced enough you could try him in a double bridle if the owner would prefer this. This would give you a little more control and also allow you to apply much subtler aids for the more advanced work.
2. If the owner would like him schooled in a snaffle, you could also look into other snaffle bits. A snaffle is any bit that exerts direct pressure without leverage and there are hundreds of variations. A good tack shop could maybe advise as to which may suit if you describe the horse. There is also lots of information available on the Internet so it may be worth doing a bit of research. The owner may be happier for you to change his bit if it is to another snaffle rather than the Pelham. I had a horse once that much preferred a straight mouth piece and went well in a straight bar snaffle, so that may be worth a try.
3. I think it is a good idea to get your instructor's opinion also, as knowing the horse they should be able to give you more comprehensive advice, including exercises to lighten him in front and perhaps some corrections/advice on your contact that could help, as sometimes our hands have a bit to answer for!
4. In general, it is always better to avoid more severe bits if at all possible because once they learn to lean on those you can have a real problem.

Good luck with your horse and I hope you are able to sort out the problem.

Tina."